Davis Cup tie to be played on clay

When Great Britain make their return to the World Group against the USA between January 31 and February 2 next year, the ties will be played on Clay - tournament organisers have announced.

The venue in San Diego, will be Petco Park, a ground used for baseball and is the home of the San Diego Padres.

A court will be created in the outfield of the pitch and a temporary stand built around it, with the capacity to hold around 8,000 people.

It will be the first time ever that a home American tie has been played in an open-air US Baseball stadium and the first time since 1992 that they have elected to play a home tie on clay.

Great Britain will be looking to make a winning return to the World Group and relinquish the demons of their last outing at this level which saw a hammering at the hands of Argentina, 4-1, in 2008.

America have always been a 'bogey' team for Great Britain in the Davis Cup though, as America have won all four of their last ties against them, with Britain's last win coming in 1935.

The surface could play a huge part in proceedings, as it is well documented that Andy Murray doesn't experience the same success on clay as on other surfaces.

However, in the play-off win over Croatia to re-enter the world group, Murray was sensational on clay and inspired the side to a famous victory.

Furthermore, with John Isner and Sam Querrey very likely to head up the American team, it could be a huge disadvantage, as Isner's serve is his main weapon, which will be slowed by the clay, not giving him the edge that a hard court would for instance.

It therefore appears that Great Britain have a realistic chance of success against the American side that is likely to be comprised also of the Bryan brothers.

It could all hinge on the race for Murray to bit fit in time, as recovery from a back operation could see him miss the Australian Open and quite possibly not be fit to compete in Britain's crucial Davis Cup tie.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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